Fred and Mattie Jackson Foundation Donated to SSU
The donation supports a new student storytelling initiative and provides a scholarship for a creative leadership student.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Fred and Mattie Jackson Foundation recently donated $7,150 to Savannah State University. This funding covers both a specific student-focused media project and a scholarship for a campus leader.
Why it matters
The grant aims to boost student career readiness and entrepreneurship through digital storytelling. The foundation's support helps the institution highlight student success while providing financial relief to scholars.
The foundation allocated $5,000 to the Fred and Mattie Jackson Student Success Storytelling Initiative. Additionally, sophomore Kairi Russell received a $2,150 scholarship as part of the donation.
The players
Fred and Mattie Jackson Foundation
This philanthropic organization provides financial support for educational initiatives and student development.
Savannah State University
Located in Savannah, this institution serves as the primary recipient of the foundation's grant for creative leadership programs.
Kairi Russell
Kairi Russell is a sophomore at Savannah State University studying Arts and Creative Leadership.
Cyrus Jackson
Cyrus Jackson is the founder of the Fred and Mattie Jackson Foundation and oversaw the scholarship award.
The details
The funding supports the Fred and Mattie Jackson Student Success Storytelling Initiative, which captures student journeys through digital and video media. Cyrus Jackson, founder of the foundation, personally awarded the scholarship to Kairi Russell, a student in the Arts and Creative Leadership program.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The donation to the university was officially announced.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the documented trend of institutions leveraging digital success stories to enhance student career readiness and entrepreneurial potential. It marks a shift toward multimedia-based advancement, mirroring a broader move by universities to modernize how students showcase their skills.
For students at the university, this grant provides tangible financial assistance and professional development opportunities in digital media. Interested individuals should monitor university channels for the upcoming reveal of student stories to see how these initiatives are implemented.
The takeaway
Students can benefit from targeted foundation grants that bridge the gap between creative coursework and career preparedness. Leveraging digital storytelling platforms is an increasingly effective way for undergraduates to build a professional portfolio.
Further reading
Learn more about local financial aid opportunities by visiting our Savannah Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSAV News 3.
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